hardwired

adjective

hard·​wired ˈhärd-ˌwī(-ə)rd 

1

: implemented in the form of permanent electronic circuits

also : connected or incorporated by or as if by permanent electrical connections

a hardwired phone

concepts of attractiveness may be universal and hardwired into the human brain

—Jane E. Brody

2

: genetically or innately determined : inborn

creature whose every action is a reflexive, hardwired response

—Natalie Angier

also : genetically or innately predisposed

a human being who is hardwired to be sociable

—Forbes

Synonyms

• built-in
• constitutional
• constitutive
• essential
• immanent
• inborn
• inbred
• indigenous
• ingrain
• ingrained
• engrained
• inherent
• innate
• integral
• intrinsic
• native
• natural

Examples of hardwired in a Sentence

a cat with a hardwired compulsion to knock expensive knickknacks off of shelves

Recent Examples on the Web

Ordinarily, people who are getting an EEG must wear a skull cap equipped with a hardwired array of electrodes. —Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 13 Dec. 2024

The human brain is hardwired to prioritize safety over growth. —Mark Kane, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024

As pack animals, dogs are hardwired to seek closeness with their family, whether canine or human. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2024

Our brains are hardwired to perceive ambiguity as a threat, and the last decade has shown that leaders' natural instinct when faced with this growing and overwhelming complexity is often to grasp for control. —Michael Hudson, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

hardwired

adjective

hard·​wired -ˌwī(ə)rd 

: having or done using or as if using permanent electronic circuits or connections

a hardwired phone

a parent hardwired to defend their child